Client Consent Form

ABC Counselling is a counselling practice based in Mackay. We believe everyone can change and reach their potential through a respectful, creative and ethical journey. As part of providing a service to your ABC Counselling, practitioners will need to collect and record personal information from you that is relevant to your situation.  This information is necessary for the services provided and guides the treatment.  Please ensure you provide honest and comprehensive information to help us meet treatment needs. You do not need to give all your personal information, but if you don’t, this may impact our service delivery. Our information is stored using secure electronic systems that adhere to Australian Privacy Laws.  If you have further questions, please ask your Counsellor. 

The information we gather is treated confidentially and is only seen by those who need to see the information to support your treatment.  The information is retained in order to document what happens during sessions and enables the treating practitioner to provide a relevant and informed counselling service.  You can ask for your information and ask to review what is on file unless there is relevant legislation that indicates otherwise.  Your treating practitioner will discuss the appropriate way to access your information.

Please be assured that all information provided in the consultation process is strictly confidential.  Only the assigned practitioner can access your session notes, and our administration staff see limited information to support you with bookings. Other than the special circumstances outlined below, no information may be released to others without written consent from you or your guardian. 

These special circumstances include the following:

1. Where a court orders the release of client information for legal purposes
2. Failing to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious or imminent risk.
3. Where the treating practitioners are seeking peer support from other practitioners in the clinic to provide you with the best service.
4. Your prior approval has been obtained to provide a written report to another agency (e.g., GP, Lawyer) or discuss the material with another person, e.g., parent, employer, or teacher.
5. If the disclosure is required by law.

Please note that if you have been referred by a medical professional for a government-funded intervention (such as a Mental Health Plan), it is usual practice to provide a written report.  The reports provide limited information about your progress with the authorised treatment. Unfortunately, ABC Counselling is not covered by Medicare.  Subject to checks, some Private Health schemes cover the part cost for private Counselling sessions with ABC Counselling.

Please note that you have the right to refuse this consent.  However, in certain situations, your refusal may mean that you will not be able to proceed with services with ABC Counselling, especially if they are funded through a collaborative government scheme that requires reporting.

The cost of a one-hour consultation varies depending on your treating practitioner.  This cost will be agreed upon and discussed before or during your first appointment with your treating counsellor. The agreed scheduled fee is $100.00 or as negotiated with your practitioner. 

We are a busy practice. In order to provide a quality service, if you need to cancel or postpone your appointment, we ask that you give at least one full business day’s notice.  If you provide us with less than one full business day’s notice and we cannot fill your appointment time with another client, you will be charged 50% of your full consultation fee. If you fail to attend and provide no notice, unless there is a reasonable explanation, you will be charged 100% of the consultation fee if you do not attend.  We will provide you with reminders; however, your responsibility is to manage your appointment times.  

You can read this charter developed by Australia’s national professional organisation for psychologists, the APS.  This charter outlines your rights as a client of a counselling service, including what you can expect from your provider here at ABC Counselling. Please read this charter carefully and if you request, your provider can make a photocopy for you to take home with you.

Normal operating hours for the clinic are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM through 5:00 PM, excluding public holidays.  When no one is available to take your phone call, you may leave a confidential message on the clinic’s answering machine.

The clinic does not have coverage for emergencies.  In the case of an emergency, you should contact your nearest hospital emergency department.  Alternatively, you may call an agency called Lifeline, which operates a 24-hour telephone crisis counselling service on 13 11 14.   You are encouraged to share any experienced after-hours emergencies as soon as possible with your provider.